Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez ended their high profile relationship known as "Bennifer" in 2004, but the "Argo" star still keeps in touch with his ex-fiancee.

"We don't have the kind of relationship where she relies on me for advice, but we do have the kind of relationship where there'll be an e-mail saying, 'Oh, your movie looks great,'" Ben told The Hollywood Reporter of his current standing with J.Lo. "I remember when she got 'American Idol.' I said, 'This was really smart. Good luck.' I touch base. I respect her. I like her."

"[My wife] truly is kind," he said. "She means no one any harm. She doesn't have ill will for any person. She's not competitive with other people. She's not spiteful.

"It's one of those things where it becomes almost aggravating at times," he added, with a laugh. "Every time I go, 'F*** him!' I see in her face that she just thinks that's petty and small."

While his family life is squared away and he's at the top of his game career-wise ("Argo," which he directed and stars in is already garnering early Oscar buzz), Ben admits hitting the big 4-0 in August was difficult.

"It was not fun for me," he said of turning 40. "It's this moment of bifurcation between youth and middle age. One wants to think of oneself as young. One does not want to think, 'Wait a minute! How can I be halfway to death?'"